Home

Defender Jada Palmer Joins Charlotte Independence USL W League Roster

Local player helps solidify the Independence backline

Charlotte, N.C. (May 24, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League announced the addition of Queens University of Charlotte defender Jada Palmer to the 2022 roster. Palmer has been a three-year starter for the Royals and helped them finish second in the South Atlantic Conference in 2021.

Palmer started 17 games during her junior season, helping secure a shutout in 11 of those matches. She was named to the All-State Fall team and the All-Conference Third team for her performance.

During her sophomore year, Palmer won the SAC Elite 20 Award, earned a spot on the All-Conference Third team and was named an All-Conference honorable mention. She featured in 10 games during her sophomore season, all as a starter. The team only allowed five goals in these 10 games.

As a freshman, Palmer made 20 appearances for the Royals, including 19 starts.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Palmer attended Mallard Creek High School where she helped her team earn a spot in the playoffs each year from 2017-2019. Palmer was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She also won team Defensive MVP in 2017 and team MVP in 2018 and 2019.

Palmer grew up playing for the Carolina Rapids and later played for the Charlotte Independence WPSL team.

“I am looking forward to a fun summer of high quality soccer as I prepare for preseason in the fall,” Palmer shared about her opportunity to play pre-professional soccer for the Charlotte Independence USL W League team.

The Charlotte Independence USL W League team is in action next on Saturday, May 28 against NC Courage in Cary, North Carolina. The team will return home on Tuesday, June 14 at 6 PM for a match against the NC Courage at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex.

Charlotte Independence Top the Table with 2-1 Win at Forward Madison FC

Goals scored by #9 Iván Luquetta (7’) and #19 Quinn McNeill (60’)

MADISON, W.I. (May 21, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence claimed a 2-1 win on the road at Forward Madison FC on Saturday night to climb to the top of the USL League One table. Up next for the Jacks is a trip to face the Greenville Triumph on Saturday, June 4 at 7:00 PM.

“It’s great character. I thought they came out, despite heavy legs, and got into the game pretty quickly. It was nice to get the first goal and play from the lead,” Charlotte Independence head coach Mike Jeffries said. “I thought that was a big plus for us for sure. I thought the guys fought throughout the game just to protect the game. It certainly wasn’t easy. It was a tremendous atmosphere here. I think that works both ways, I think that kind of kept us going a bit as well.”

It did not take long for the Independence to open the scoring as #9 Ivan Luquetta notched his second goal of the season in the 7th minute. A soaring cross from the right side by #2 Koa Santos found Luquetta in front of goal to head it home for the lead. Luquetta was persistent on the attack throughout the evening, continually trying to create chances for the Independence.

“We’re motivated, we feel good about getting the three points. The last game, we unfortunately weren’t able to do so,” Luquetta said. “So, we came out with the mentality that we wanted to win. I was happy to get a goal and now we head into this small break and get ready for the next one.”

#1 Keegan Meyer started for the first time since April 8 and recorded a vital diving save in the 29th minute to maintain the Jacks’ lead. He was active in the penalty area throughout the game, sliding to steal the ball from an attacker’s feet in the 37th minute and punching away a corner in first half stoppage time.

The Jacks thought the lead had doubled in the 35th minute when #90 Khori Bennett connected with another cross from Santos, but Bennett was ruled offside.

#5 Shalom Dutey made a huge tackle in the penalty area in the closing minutes of the first half to preserve the lead going into halftime.

The Jacks carried the one-goal lead into the break: Forward Madison 0 – Charlotte Independence 1

Offensive pressure continued from the Independence to start the second half with #19 Quinn McNeill laying the ball off to Luquetta for a shot from the top of the penalty area. Luquetta connected with #6 Omar Ciss a few minutes later for another shot on target for the Jacks from Ciss.

McNeill doubled the lead with a stunner from distance in the 60th minute coming off an assist from defender #17 Clay Dimick from the defensive half of the field. He earned his first professional goal with a chip over the Madison keeper from outside the penalty area.

“It was a great feeling and even better to grab the 3 points,” McNeill said. “The boys have been behind me all year to get my first and to do it tonight was special.

The Flamingos cut the Jacks’ lead in half with a strike to the far post in the 77th minute by #24 Nazeem Bartman. Nevertheless, the Independence defense prevented a comeback by Forward Madison. #7 Miguel Ibarra launched a crucial diving header out the backline to prevent a scoring opportunity for the Flamingos in stoppage time. Meyer punched away another threatening corner in the final minute of the game to preserve the win.

Charlotte Independence is now in first place in the USL League One table with 14 points and remains undefeated on the road this season. The Jacks earned six points from three games in six days during one of the busiest stretches of the schedule this season.

“It’s a quarter of the way in and it’s a good time to have a little bit of a break from our end to try to regroup and recover. A lot of guys played a lot of minutes,” Jeffries said. “I also want to credit Miguel Ibarra, he played a different role and was fantastic all game. He was just a real presence on the field and thought it was a real plus performance from him.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Jacks have a break before traveling to play Greenville Triumph on Saturday, June 4 at 7 PM. Charlotte Independence is offering a free bus ride to the first 50 fans who register for the trip to face a new regional rival. Sign up now at https://t.co/HS0tNg6auL

Charlotte Independence Fall 2-1 to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

Goal scored by #11 Tresor Mbuyu (19’)

Charlotte Independence Fall 2-1 to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

Goal scored by #11 Tresor Mbuyu (19’)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence fell 2-1 to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in a competitive match played Wednesday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Independence next face Forward Madison FC on the road on Saturday, May 21 at 8 PM. Fans can live stream the match for free at bahakelsports.com or watch over-the-air on antenna TV’s WCCB Channel 18.5.

“It’s always hard when you lose the last one and that’s the taste you walk away with,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I think tonight was really frustrating on our end to give away the set piece goal really before the game even had rhythm. I thought we, again, put ourselves in a hole and battled back. I feel like the team has great character and so forth to be able to do that and just a soft second goal off a counter attack. Again, I thought we fought to try to get it. I thought we had good chances, obviously we didn’t get any breaks but it was a good battle.”

Only a minute after kickoff, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC opened the scoring through a goal by #10 Irvin Parra. The Independence quickly shifted to the attack with multiple solid chances in the first ten minutes. #5 Shalom Dutey released a powerful header off a corner, forcing the Hailstorm keeper to make a save.

It was only a matter of time before USL League One leading scorer #11 Tresor Mbuyu leveled the score in the 19th minute with his fifth goal of the season. From the left wing, #4 Diego Rocha played a through ball to #7 Miguel Ibarra at the top of the penalty area who sent it to Mbuyu streaming towards goal to slot it past the keeper and into the back of the net.

The Jacks continued to pressure the Northern Colorado defense, producing four corner kicks in the first half. It was a team effort as Mbuyu, #90 Khori Bennett and #6 Omar Ciss all recorded shots in search of a breakthrough goal.

The teams entered halftime tied: Charlotte Independence 1 – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 1

New signee, Grayson Barber, made his Independence debut as a substitute in the second half. The forward on loan from Sporting Kansas City helped spark the offense serving in crosses from the left wing.

“The team is really nice. It’s a really good team, and it’s easy to come in and be a part of them,” stated Barber. “Being able to play tonight was good but it just wasn’t the result. I feel like the more practice I get – with only being here for a couple days – it will all come together and the results will start to come, so I’m not worried about that.”

Northern Colorado took the lead again in the 70th minute with a goal by #29 Trevor Amann.

The Jacks kept fighting for another goal with multiple incredibly close shots on goal. The Hailstorm cleared a chance from Bennett off the line to prevent a late equalizer, and #21 Giuseppe Barone had a free kick saved in stoppage time.

“I think we all know that we have to get a result now to stay atop the table,” stated Charlotte Independence Captain, #17 Clay Dimick. “There’s really no excuses going into it. We know what we have to do to get ready physically and get a result on the road.”

When asked about how his team will approach the upcoming 5 game road trip, Jeffries explained, “We obviously showed some fatigue tonight, a little bit, and I think it’s a tough trip but like I said, it’s a resilient group. They’ll fight through it and battle. We’ll do our best to be organized, and we’ll find a group of 11 that has energy and can play.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Jacks begin a month-long period of away matches beginning with a trip to Wisconsin to face Forward Madison FC on Saturday, May 21 at 8 PM. Fans can live stream the match for free on bahakelsports.com or watch over-the-air on antenna TV’s WCCB Channel 18.5.

Charlotte Independence Unveil Men’s Health Night Jerseys in Partnership with Novant Health

Proceeds from the sale of jerseys will be donated to the Novant Health Foundation’s Health Equity Fund

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence, in partnership with Novant Health, today unveiled the club’s custom men’s health blue jerseys inspired by Men’s Health Month, an annual observance in June aimed at raising awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

“We’re proud to partner with Novant Health by driving awareness on how our fans can prevent health problems through education and early detection opportunities,” stated Charlotte Independence President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “Like many health challenges, if we men will have regular visits to our doctors and do preventative measures, many serious ailments can be mitigated or avoided altogether. We’re dedicated to making an impact in our community this June with the help of the best healthcare providers in Charlotte, Novant Health.”

The custom blue jerseys will be worn on Sunday, June 26 for Men’s Health Night presented by Novant Health. The game-worn jerseys will be autographed by the Charlotte Independence men’s professional players and will be sold to the public for a fixed price. Proceeds will be donated to the Novant Health Foundation’s Health Equity Fund to help provide access to everything from financial assistance, to transportation services, to resources that enhance health education for patients and their families.

Jerseys are on sale now at the merchandise trailer for fans attending tonight’s USL League One match vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. Jerseys will go live on the Charlotte Independence shop tonight, May 18, at 10:00 PM. Only one jersey will be sold per player. It’s first come, first served for these limited-edition kits. Visit www.shopcharlotteindependence.com to make your purchase.

June is National Men’s Health Month and is celebrated by the color blue. Leading up to the marquee event on Sunday, June 26, the Charlotte Independence will join Novant Health in their efforts to raise awareness and encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

“We are thrilled to raise awareness of preventable health problems for the men in our lives,” said Katie Spizzirri, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation Medical Center. “Men’s Health Night’s impact on the Novant Health Foundation’s Health Equity Fund will benefit the holistic approach to health and wellness while by providing resources like financial assistance, transportation and much more for our patients and their families!”

According to menshealthmonth.org, on average, men die almost five years earlier than women. Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor. Additionally, certain conditions are more prevalent in men, which patients and their doctors should keep an eye on through regular appointments. Thus, the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among both men and boys.

The Charlotte Independence Men’s Health Night presented by Novant Health will take place at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Sunday, June 26. The Jacks will wear blue custom kits inspired by Men’s Health Month and proceeds will benefit the Novant Health Foundation’s Health Equity Fund. Visit www.shopcharlotteindependence.com tonight at 10:00 PM to make your purchase.

Charlotte Independence USL W League Team Earns First Win in History

Goals scored by #20 Ayden Yates (8’, 45’), #16 Kennedy Jones (60’), #19 Alexandra Odle (90’)

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team won its first game in history by defeating the North Carolina Fusion 4-0 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Independence were led by #20 Ayden Yates who scored two goals on the day. The Independence women will be back in action on the road against Wake FC on Saturday, May 21. Fans can live stream the match on Eleven Sports.

The Independence started on the front foot early, earning the first six corners of the first half in just the 2nd minute. Charlotte was unable to score a goal from the initial corner, but it didn’t take long for Yates to put the Independence on the board.

Charlotte’s first goal of the game came in the 8th minute from Yates who notched her first of the season. #11 Sutton Webb attempted a cross into the box. The Fusion defense cleared the pass, but only as far as #8 Zoe Susi. Susi passed to #15 Kelly Flanders who took a shot from the top of the box, her shot took a deflection and fell right to Yates who gave Charlotte an early 1-0 lead.

Yates doubled the Independence’s lead just before both teams went into the locker rom. Just as the match went into first half stoppage time, Susi got the ball on the left side of the box, and crossed the ball perfectly into the path of Yates who volleyed the ball into the bottom right corner to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

To start the second half, Charlotte made two substitutions. #12 Eveleen Hahn and #17 Lily Suyao came on for #27 Michaela Deas and #6 Gabby Johnson to start the final 45 minutes.

The Independence got on the front foot early, forcing a save from the Fusion keeper and earning the team’s seventh corner kick of the match just into the second half. #16 Kennedy Jones came inches away from scoring her first goal of the season, but the Fusion keeper tipped her effort onto the crossbar in the 51st minute.

Charlotte added to the lead when Jones was pulled down in the box in the 60th minute and was awarded a penalty kick. Jones stepped up to the spot herself and buried her first goal of the season to take a 3-0 lead heading into the final 30 minutes.

The Fusion earned its best chance of the game in the 65th minute when #11 Annabelle Walker took a shot near the post but Abigail Stapleton made the save to keep the clean sheet. The Independence attack kept pressing, forcing multiple saves from the Fusion. It was #19 Alexandra Odle who made the Fusion pay late into the match to make it 4-0. The Independence earned a corner kick that fell to Odle just on the edge of the box and she shot it into the back of the net to finish the match off and earn the Independence’s first win of the season.

Next on the schedule: The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team will be in action again on Saturday, May 2 at 4:30 PM to take on Wake FC on the road. Fans can watch the match on Eleven Sports.

Independence Notch 2-1 Win Over FC Tucson

Goals scored by #11 Tresor Mbuyu (18’) and #2 Koa Santos (43’)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 15, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence defeated FC Tucson 2-1 on Sunday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. #11 Tresor Mbuyu and #2 Koa Santos scored to give the Jacks their third win of the season. The Independence will face Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on Wednesday, May 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium at 7:30 PM.

“I think it’s a good confidence boost for us defensively,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I think it showed a lot of heart and a lot of character. We bent a lot, they had obviously a lot of the possession but I thought the guys did a great job. We really didn’t concede a lot of great chances. I thought we put up a pretty good wall in front of Adrian, and Adrian kept things very organized, and credit to the guys I thought they performed really well in a difficult spot.”

The Independence broke through in the 18th minute with Mbuyu’s fourth goal of the season. #90 Khori Bennett’s header off a cross from #4 Diego Rocha was saved and deflected to Mbuyu waiting to slot it home tightly inside the near post for the Jacks’ first goal of the match.

“This team has a lot of talented guys,” stated Bennett. “Today I had an assist – possibly two with Tresor’s first goal. What it says is that the goals can come from anyone. Tresor is scoring a lot, and we encourage that, but at any moment anyone can step up and get the job done. So, that’s the type of team we have and that’s what a championship team is about.”

FC Tucson leveled the score with a curling attempt from #22 Tyler Moss, but it did not take long for the Jacks to respond, as the score was only tied for five minutes before the Independence regained the lead.

Santos scored his first professional goal through a blazing shot launched from outside the penalty area to double the tally for the Independence in the 43rd minute.

The Independence proved to be dangerous on set pieces as Bennett and #19 Quinn McNeill both placed convincing attempts on target. Bennett produced a sliding attempt on a free kick for the Jacks while McNeill bounced a header off the crossbar from the fourth corner kick of the night for the Independence.

The Jacks carried the lead into halftime: Charlotte Independence 2 – FC Tucson 1.

“I think, obviously, a fortress for us. We want teams to come here and know it’s going to be a tough game against us, but I think the biggest thing we have here is confidence to play out on a big field and confidence to press teams,” stated Charlotte Independence Captain, #17 Clay Dimick. “Tonight, we showed the fight we have, we don’t want to drop points at home and we showed that tonight.”

#7 Miguel Ibarra had the first promising chance of the second half for the Independence with a jumping header on a cross from Santos.

Santos’ outing was finished soon thereafter when he received his second yellow card of the match in the 65th minute. The Jacks possessed the ball well with 10 players for the final 25 minutes to secure the 2-1 win over FC Tucson.

“Yeah, obviously this was a hard physical game for us, so it’s going to be a quick turnaround against a team that had off for a week,” stated Jeffries. “I think we just have to try and get guys ready. We’ve obviously played Northern Colorado pretty recently so we have a pretty good sense of their ability and capability. So, I think we do what we can to prepare, but the biggest thing is getting the guys physically ready.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Jacks are back home at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, May 18 against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC at 7:30 PM as part of a doubleheader after the Charlotte Independence USL W League match which kicks off at 4:30 PM. One ticket is valid for both matches. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats.

Charlotte Independence Women Score Two in Inaugural USL W League Match

Goals scored by #11 Sutton Webb (55’) and #27 Michaela Deas (78’)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 15, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team opened up its inaugural season with a 2-4 loss to Greenville Liberty SC today at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Winger #11 Sutton Webb scored the Independence women’s first goal in history in the 55th minute. The Independence women are back in action at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, May 18 against the North Carolina Fusion as a part of another double header with the men’s USL League One team who faces Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. One ticket is valid for both matches. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats.

To start the match, both teams found the rhythm of the game, and the Independence earned the first corner kick in the 7th minute. #7 Mary Alexander received the ball down the left side to earn the opportunity.

The first goal of the match came in the 15th minute off a free kick for the Liberty to take an early one-goal lead. The Independence fought back on the attack with #6 Gabby Johnson forcing a save from the Liberty keeper.

In the 32nd minute, the match was paused due to a lightning delay as teams went to the locker room to prepare for the remainder of the match.

Quickly after both teams returned to the field, Alexander continued her impact down the wing, earning back to back corner kicks for the Independence in the 35th minute and in the 43rd minute. However, the Liberty took the lead by one heading into the locker room for halftime.

Greenville doubled its advantage in the 53rd minute with #7 Carly Thatcher converting on a penalty kick to put Liberty in the lead by two. The Independence responded immediately, scoring in the 55th minute with Webb finding the top corner from the right side to bring the Independence within one.

Shortly after Charlotte found the back of the net, the Liberty restored its two-goal advantage in the 57th minute when Greenville was awarded a penalty kick. #24 Megan Bornkamp stepped up and scored Liberty’s third goal of the game to make Greenville’s advantage 1-3.

In the 75th minute, #27 Michaela Deas came in off the bench for #20 Ayden Yates. Immediately, Deas made an impact for the Independence, scoring a goal in the 78th minute coming off an assist from Webb.

The Liberty scored the final goal of the match in the 79th minute, #99 Chidubem Dike found the back of the net to make it 2-4 for Greenville. The Independence continued to generate chances, hitting the woodwork in the final 10 minutes, but could not draw any closer and lost their first game of the 2022 USL W League season.

Next on the schedule: The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team will be in action again on Wednesday, May 18 at 4:30 PM to take on North Carolina Fusion at American Legion Memorial Stadium before the men’s League One side takes on Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. One ticket is valid for both matches. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats.

Charlotte Independence Adds Attacker Grayson Barber

Clemson product returns to the Carolinas to join the Jacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 14, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the addition of attacker Grayson Barber to the Jacks’ squad on loan from Sporting Kansas City, pending league and federation approval. Barber is a graduate from Clemson University.

“We are excited to add another young, local attacking player to our roster in Grayson Barber,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “Grayson adds pace and creative qualities to our attack. He is capable of beating defenders in 1 v. 1 situations and can both finish and set up chances in front of goal.”

At Clemson, Barber made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and earning an assist his freshman season where he started in 11 of the 17 matches he appeared in for the Tigers. During his sophomore season, Barber scored 10 goals which was high enough for third on the team, and led the Tigers in game-winning goals with four. He contributed four assists as well, helping the Tigers win the 2019 ACC regular season championship.

In his junior season, Barber led the country with seven assists during the 2020 campaign. He started every Clemson match as a forward for the Tigers. The 2020 season was Barber’s final collegiate season after signing as a homegrown player with Sporting Kansas City and spent time with the club’s USL Championship team, Sporting Kansas City II.

With Kansas City, Barber made nine appearances in MLS while appearing in 10 matches in the USL Championship, scoring one goal and earning two assists. Barber also started in SKC’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal match against Liga MX’s Club León in which he assisted Sporting KC’s lone goal of the contest.

“I am excited to be joining Charlotte Independence! Returning to the Carolinas where my journey started and to be close to friends and family is a dream come true,” Barber said. “I’m most looking forward to competing with the team we have and bring a championship to club!”
The Charlotte Independence continue their 2022 season on Sunday, May 15 against FC Tucson. It’s a double header day featuring the Charlotte Independence USL W League women’s inaugural match at 3:00 PM. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit www.charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule/.

Charlotte Independence USL W League Team Welcomes UNC Charlotte Trio

49ers stay local for the summer to join the Independence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 13, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today the signings of midfielders Lea Wissell and Lily Suyao and defender Sydney Smith. Wissell, Suyao and Smith are sophomores at UNC Charlotte.

“We are excited to have three players from the local UNC Charlotte 49ers on the team this summer. All three players played for the Independence through their youth careers,” Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League team said. “Lea provides the team with a composed style of play with her passing and retaining possession. Lily will provide a solid defensive presence in the midfield and Sydney will look to demonstrate her athletic ability and continue her development as a dominant central defender.”

Wissell played high school soccer locally at Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina, where she was named to the All-Conference team three consecutive seasons from her sophomore to senior year and won three straight conference titles. After her final high school season, Wissell made the All-Senior West team and was one of the finalists for the Charlotte Soccer Gala’s Female Player of the Year Award.

Wissell has played for the Charlotte Independence her entire soccer career and helped win the 2017 USYS National Championship as well as the 2016 and 2017 USYS Regional titles. Her team advanced to the ECNL Playoffs in 2018 and 2019.

During her freshman season at UNC Charlotte, Wissell appeared in seven games, making two starts. In her second collegiate season, Wissell appeared in 12 games and earned her first college point by earning an assist for the 49ers against the College of Charleston. She finished the year with two assists.

“I am super excited to come back and play for the club that I grew up playing with, and I am also really looking forward to the opportunity to train and play with high quality players in a high quality environment!” Wissell said.

Smith played high school soccer at Cox Mill High School in Concord, North Carolina and earned All-Conference honors in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, she helped lead her team to the state finals. She was also named to the All-State team and recognized as Defensive Player of the Year. In her senior season, she was voted onto the 2020 High School All-Senior West team.

In her freshman season at UNC Charlotte, Smith appeared in eight games and started in four. She started in every match of the Conference USA tournament after earning her first college start in the home regular season finale. Smith appeared in 12 matches her sophomore season and started in three.

“I am excited to be a part of the new Charlotte Independence USL W League. I am fortunate to be playing with many talented players that I have trained with in the past,” Smith said. “The atmosphere will be challenging and competitive and I am excited to see what this team has to offer.”

Suyao played club soccer with the Charlotte Independence where she helped guide her team to the ECNL Playoffs in 2018. At Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, she earned All-Region honors in 2018 and 2019 while being voted the 2019 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Her senior season, she was voted team captain and earned a spot into the Senior Clash All-Star game.

At UNC Charlotte, Suyao started in eight of the 11 games she played in the spring of 2021. She was a consistent presence in the 49ers midfield during the team’s run to the C-USA championship, starting in every game of the conference tournament.

“I am very excited for another summer season with Charlotte Independence,” Suyao said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to play for the club I played for before going to college with former and current teammates. I am looking forward to competing at a high level and improving as a player and teammate.”

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit www.charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.

Charlotte Independence Announce Schedule Change with Union Omaha

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 13, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a schedule change with Union Omaha. The away match originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 will now be played on Wednesday, August 17 at Werner Park. First kick will be at 7:00 PM CT/8:00 PM ET.

The change comes due to Union Omaha’s progression in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED SCHEDULE

All Charlotte Independence away matches can be live streamed for free on bahakelsports.com or on local antenna TV’s WCCB Charlotte Channel 18.5. Visit our website for details.

Novant Health

Home

Sponsored by